Possibly Effective for...

Preventing a lack of vitamin A (vitamin A deficiency). There is some evidence that adding palm oil to the diet of pregnant women and children in developing countries might reduce the risk of developing vitamin A deficiency.

Possibly Ineffective for...

High cholesterol. Consuming palm oil as part of a specific diet plan does not seem to reduce cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. In fact, some research suggests that palm oil might actually increase cholesterol levels compared to other oils, such as soybean, canola, or sunflower oil.

Malaria. Some research suggests that dietary consumption of palm oil by children under 5 years of age in developing countries does not seem to decrease symptoms of malaria.

Dosing considerations for Palm Oil.

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

For preventing vitamin A deficiency: about 3 tablespoons (9 grams) per day of palm oil for adults and children over age 5. About 4 tablespoons (12 grams) per day for pregnant women. For children less than 5 years old, 2 tablespoons (6 grams) per day.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Anderson, J. T., Grande, F., and Keys, A. Independence of the effects of cholesterol and degree of saturation of the fat in the diet on serum cholesterol in man. Am J Clin Nutr 1976;29(11):1184-1189. View abstract.

Bosch, V., Aular, A., Medina, J., Ortiz, N., and Apitz, R. [Changes in of plasma lipoproteins after the use of palm oil in the diet of a group healthy adults]. Arch Latinoam.Nutr 2002;52(2):145-150. View abstract.

van Stuijvenberg, M. E. and Benade, A. J. S. South African experience with the use of red palm oil to improve the vitamin A status of primary school children. Food & Nutrition Bulletin 2000;21(2):212-221.

van Stuijvenberg, M. E., Dhansay, M. A., Lombard, C. J., Faber, M., and Benade, A. J. The effect of a biscuit with red palm oil as a source of beta-carotene on the vitamin A status of primary school children: a comparison with beta-carotene from a synthetic source in a randomised controlled trial. Eur.J.Clin.Nutr. 2001;55(8):657-662. View abstract.